Best way to store batteries

Cleach

New Member
Mar 11, 2022
23
Boat Info
Sea Ray 320 Sundancer
Engines
496 Mag x 2 with Bravo III
Hi Everyone,

I have a 2006 SeaRay 320 with four AGM 12-volt batteries. I hear many opinions about the best way to store it. The boat is stored in Mexico for 7 months a year. Some say it is best to fully charge the batteries and then leave them disconnected. Others say it is best to leave the internal battery charging system plugged in. I worry about the charger failing and overcharging the batteries or rodents getting in and chewing wires.

Also does the boat's internal charging system work when the two battery switches are turned off?

I know there has been some discussion on this site but I can't find a clear answer to this question.

Thanks
 
There's no clear answer because there are a number of variables. For example, without a doubt, keeping the batteries on a charger/maintainer is going to do the best job of preserving, and even extending, the batteries lifespan. BUT... you mentioned a couple of variables that could alter that. In the strictest sense of simply comparing battery maintanence, that is the "best" way, though.

I wouldn't worry about mice, though - if they get in there, your batteries are the least (and least expensive) thing you'll have to worry about.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about the charger going bad, either. I woud leave it on.

But, if that is going to be on your mind then, FOR YOU, the "best" option would probably be to fully charge them and then remove the negative cables. They should still have plenty of juice after 7 months - especially in a warm climate.

Correct - battery switch postion has no impact on charging. Unless a previous owner changed something...

Supposedly dryer sheets do a pretty good job at keeping mice away. I had a squirell make a nest over the winter in my Grady - that was about 6 years ago. I can't say it's guaranteed, but since using the dryer sheets I haven't had a mouse or squirell problem. It does smell nice, though.
 
Thanks for the good advice.
 
On our SeaRay we have 14 batteries (Four 12 volt start, Ten 6 volt house) they are all connected to a smart charger and it is left on all the time. Longest period on is October to May. Batteries are fine and water level does not seem to drop. On jetboat we have 3 batteries. I take them out, charge them and leave them in an area that does not freeze
 

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